Widespread destruction occurred in parts of South Dakota and western Minnesota from severe storms this past weekend, including some tornadoes. One tornado reached EF3, packing winds of up to 165 miles per hour, and struck in areas around the South Dakota–Minnesota border.
Many residents and storm chasers captured video of the tornadoes and subsequent damage, which included funnel clouds cutting through the rural landscape and debris flying.
Minnesota experienced widespread power outages when more than 50,000 homes and businesses lost electricity from power lines brought down from the storms. Some towns and counties in northeastern South Dakota, including Clear Lake and Gary, also experienced structural damage, downed trees and blocked roads.
While there are no deaths that we know of, there were some minor injuries. Emergency crews and organizations began cleanup and assessment of the damage quickly. The National Weather Service confirmed several tornadoes occurred in the area and are watching the possibility of new storms in the days to come.
Exoplanet...
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Multiple tornadoes touched down near Lake Cochrane and Toronto, South Dakota. Preliminary estimates showing wind speeds up to 125 mph and widths over 400 yards.
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Cleanup and Recovery Begin as Residents Remain on Alert
People in the impacted areas are now in the recovery phase. In Victoria, Canby and Hartland, residents are clearing debris, tarp-ing roofs, and working with local governments to restore normal services. Flooding has been another issue as well, with flooding after the tornadoes from heavy rain moments later leaving some roads under water in some areas.
Flash flood warnings were issued across portions of Minnesota after the flooding only added to what storm-hit communities have already been managing.
Local and state officials are urging vigilance, especially with more storms on the horizon later this week.
Emergency services are continuing their damage assessments and extending help when requested. Weather experts are also encouraging families to have 'go-bags' ready and to pay attention to weather outlets that they trust.
The response from the communities has been overwhelming, with neighbors helping neighbors, and emergency teams consistently working every hour of the day and throughout the night restoring safety and services.
While clean-up is ongoing, the focus is to return to safety and rebuild the affected structures.
